February, Old World, Bretonnia, Jean Town, Ryan's Ducal Castle.
In the quiet, spacious master bedroom of the castle, Ryan was lying lazily on the soft bed with a pillow covering his face, unwilling to get up. Even though the winter sun outside was shining through the glass windows and curtains onto his body, Ryan had no intention of leaving the bed.
Despite two months passing since the Winter Veil, Ryan had not been idle. Preparations for the expedition to the Eight Peaks Mountain, including supply stockpiling and troop mobilization, were already secretly underway. Hadrian, who had just returned from Ruscia, wasted no time and immediately led his men to Sea Gate Pass to reinforce the stronghold and establish logistical facilities.
Ryan had refused Belegar's proposal to set out from Karak-Norn (also known as Karak-Copper Mountain Fortress) located in the southern Black Mountains. Although Belegar believed that starting from Karak-Copper Mountain Fortress would save military expenses and possibly secure some Dwarven reinforcements and copper resources, Ryan was firm in his belief that starting from Barak-Varr was the correct approach. The Seagod Fleet of Bordeleaux would provide escort for the expeditionary force, which would set out from Barak-Varr and head directly east to seize the Greenskin stronghold at Grungni's Hold.
Reluctantly, Belegar agreed to Ryan's plan, though he grumbled that this approach would be far more expensive. First, there was the cost of hiring the Seagod Fleet for transport and escort, and then there was the heavy taxation at Sea Gate Pass. King Bylnorv-Dragonhammer of Sea Gate Pass was known for his greed and stubbornness, and he would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to demand a hefty sum.
"Wouldn't it be better to spend that money hiring more Dwarven Rangers or other mercenaries? You humans, always so picky, unwilling to suffer, and unable to economize," Belegar had muttered, clearly annoyed at Ryan's insistence on launching the campaign from Sea Gate Pass, which he considered a waste of resources. However, in the end, he acquiesced, considering the many times Ryan had helped the Angrund clan, thinking it was worth the slight inconvenience.
Ryan found himself at a loss for words. Belegar's approach was clearly shortsighted. Yes, setting out from Copper Mountain Fortress might save some money and avoid the need for the Seagod Fleet, but how much extra distance would that require? Moreover, starting from Copper Mountain Fortress would necessitate crossing through the Border Princes' territories, which were in chaos due to the Tammurkhan invasion. The region was rife with skirmishes, with many Chaos deserters and Chaos Dwarves who had retreated from the Battle of Nuln still causing trouble there. Who knows how many battles they would encounter along the way? Without Sea Gate Pass as a logistical base, the assault on Eight Peaks Mountain would be a one-shot deal. If they couldn't take it, their supply lines would be cut, and the expedition would be doomed.
Eight Peaks Mountain was home to tens of thousands of Greenskins and nearly a hundred thousand Skaven!
And besides, did the noble knights really want to follow the Dwarves into the underground tunnels?
There was no helping it. The Dwarves were stubborn to the core, and in their vocabulary, terms like "stubborn," "traditional," and "inflexible" were not insults but compliments. The Dwarves prided themselves on preserving tradition, maintaining order, and settling old grudges. When it came to new ideas, Dwarves were always hostile and resistant unless absolutely necessary.
Even recently, the Dwarven Engineers' Guild of the Angrund clan had been debating whether to equip their elite forces with the new Iron Dragon hand rocket launchers and whether to hire the Dwarven gyrocopters and bomber squads from Sea Gate Pass to assist in the assault on Eight Peaks Mountain. Many of the long-bearded Dwarves of the Angrund clan vehemently opposed this, insisting that the ancestors' methods should not be changed. "We lost Eight Peaks Mountain this way, and we will reclaim it the same way. Firearms, rocket artillery, and gyrocopters are all trickery; they are far less reliable than runic hammers and axes, which give Dwarves peace of mind."
Ryan had felt so frustrated he wanted to bang his head against the wall. "Seriously, at a time like this, why wouldn't you bring out your best stuff?"
Fortunately, Belegar, having lost multiple times, was somewhat more clear-headed. He overruled the opposition, stating that to reclaim Eight Peaks Mountain and erase their grudge, they must gather all their strength. If this expedition went smoothly, it would be Belegar's fourth attempt to reclaim the mountain. The true King of Eight Peaks Mountain had a nagging premonition: this might be his last chance. His clan was already exhausted, and the Dwarven reserves were nearly depleted. If they couldn't succeed even with Ryan's full support, there might never be another opportunity.
While Ryan was lost in thought under his pillow, Veronica had already gotten up.
The Garland Witch had suffered considerable physical and spiritual damage this time, leaving her bedridden for many days before she could even walk with assistance. Seeing Ryan still lazing in bed, Veronica placed her delicate foot on his pillow impatiently and said, "Ryan, you lazy bones, get up! You promised to take me out for a walk today!"
"I didn't, my dear. Don't make things up," Ryan replied as the pillow covering his face was dented by Veronica's foot. Seeing that she was already up, Ryan stretched out in a large "X" on the bed, closing his eyes against the sunlight streaming through the window. "Taking you for a walk isn't impossible, but you probably won't be able to walk very far, right?"
"Then just take me for a walk around the castle. I've been bedridden for over two weeks, and I'm bored to death." Veronica's charming face had a faint blush. "I mean, having you accompany me is nice, but I can't just be your bedwarmer all the time, right?"
"When Morgiana was recovering, she rested for years. My dear, you only need three months, so you're quite lucky." Ryan reached out and grabbed one of Veronica's smooth, jade-like feet, gently squeezing it. "Alright, I promise to take you for a walk, but only within the castle."
Veronica, unsteady on her feet as Ryan held her foot, quickly pulled away. She adjusted her elven silk long nightgown, sat at the bedside, and chatted with Ryan. "In that case, I'd like to visit Olica's Pale Garden."
"That requires Olica's permission. I promised her that unless she agreed, I wouldn't take anyone into the Pale Garden. That's her domain, just as I wouldn't take anyone into the private areas of your Dawn Wizard Tower without your permission." Ryan rested his hands behind his head. "Olica will be in shortly. You can talk to her about it, or choose another spot."
Veronica's expression soured at the thought of the Dark Elf's sinister demeanor. While Sulia had generously allowed Veronica to share the main bedroom with Ryan, Veronica had not yet had her fill of alone time with him, as Olica often joined them.
Unlike Sulia, who only wished to be with the Lady of the Lake, Veronica didn't mind this as much. She thought for a moment. "Then...let's go to the Lady's courtyard, discuss your plans for Eight Peaks Mountain, enjoy the hot springs, and then have a picnic?"
"That sounds good." Ryan nodded. "Should we invite Sulia and Olica, or just the two of us?"
"Of course," Veronica replied sweetly. "They are your wife and your personal maid; how could we not invite them?"
"Alright, I'll get ready." Ryan finally decided to get out of bed, and at almost the same moment, the Dark Elf maid opened the door and entered. Olica, as always, was dressed in a black and white maid outfit with white garter stockings and black stiletto heels. She noticed Ryan and Veronica chatting and a strange emotion flickered in her amber eyes. "Master, Lady Veronica, breakfast is served."
"Alright." Ryan and Veronica both got up to change clothes. Ryan donned a heavy ducal robe, layered with a bearskin coat and a cloak emblazoned with a golden Holy Grail. With Olica's help, Veronica changed into a rosy butterfly dress of ice-rose silk, paired with a complete set of jewelry. A simple makeup touch-up made the Garland Witch's face radiantly beautiful, her delicate features showing a hint of joy, like winter sunshine. Veronica hesitated briefly, then shook her head and chose a pair of brown one-strap heels.
Since Veronica had limited mobility, Sulia allowed her to have breakfast in the main bedroom, but Ryan had to go to the dining room to eat with Sulia. According to Olica, Sulia had already been waiting for him for over ten minutes. After giving Veronica a good morning kiss, Ryan hurried out. "See you later, dear."
"Yes, see you later, dear." Veronica watched Ryan leave, then, with Olica's help, got up. "Ow, be gentle, Miss Olica. I haven't done anything to offend you, have I?"
"Of course not, Lady Veronica," Olica replied sweetly, though her amber eyes held a faint trace of jealousy and insatiable greed. "But you know, Master gave that to you!"
"Why, am I not worthy?" Veronica retorted
, crossing her arms. "I was with him before anyone else. I was first."
"Back in Naggaroth, I always loved feisty sorceresses like you, Lady Veronica," Olica replied with an even sweeter smile. "Khaine enjoys such sacrifices, and the Pale Queen loves stubborn souls like yours."
"...Can't we just get along?" Veronica's tone softened. She was in no condition to challenge Olica, especially after witnessing the Dark Elf's ruthless tactics, strange potions, and dark magic firsthand.
"If we weren't getting along, I would've already cut you into pieces and hung your scalp on my chest," Olica said with a sweet smile. "Now, let's have breakfast. We'll probably discuss the Eight Peaks Mountain expedition afterward."
"You're going too?" Veronica asked, sipping her milk.
"Master specifically requested my assistance. We're fighting Greenskins, Skaven, and other creatures this time, so there's no need for chivalry. Your magic focuses too much on damage and area attacks. My dark magic can provide more utility." Olica's tone was nonchalant. "Lady Sulia won't be going this time; she'll be staying home with the children. Aurora and Theresa are busy preparing the MI7. Everything is in order, and Master isn't going to bring just the two of us; he expects you to send a coven of witches."
"A coven of witches... I don't mind, but the cost..." Veronica laughed. "That's not a small sum."
"Do you think Master can't afford it?" Olica countered. "Or are you unwilling to commit your forces to this grand expedition?"
"Alright, I see we understand each other," Veronica replied bluntly. "After all, you do everything for Master, but I have to consider my coven."
"Indeed. But you must understand, Lady Veronica, there are many sorceresses and many battle clerics in this world," Olica said, pouring more milk into Veronica's cup. "If you don't want to go, Master will find someone else."
"I didn't say I wouldn't go," Veronica said impatiently. "As long as my coven's compensation is settled, I'm in. I can waive my fee, but my witches shouldn't work for free."
"Then it seems we're in agreement?" Olica leaned in and whispered in Veronica's ear.
"More or less."
After a simple breakfast, Veronica and Olica joined Ryan and Sulia in the Lady of the Lake's courtyard. Today, Sulia wore a mocha-colored court dress, covered by a white fox fur coat. Her long, slender legs were wrapped in nude tights, and she wore leather boots. Upon seeing Sulia, Veronica greeted her enthusiastically, "Sister Sulia! Good morning."
"Veronica, how are you feeling?" Sulia smiled politely. "If you have any concerns, let me or Sylvia know. We'll help you get settled. Your health is the most important thing right now."
"No, no, I'll be fine with just another month or two of rest," Veronica said modestly. "Thank you for your concern."
Olica snorted softly at Veronica's shift in demeanor.
After brief introductions, Ryan led the group into the Lady's courtyard. Thanks to the Lady's divine protection, the garden was always in bloom, regardless of the season. As they sat around a table in the pavilion, Sulia turned to Ryan and said, "So, it'll be you, Belegar, Veronica, and Olica leading the expedition? And Armand, Juan, Hex, and Lopes will accompany you?"
"Correct. The Eight Peaks expedition will be an unprecedented undertaking, covering thousands of kilometers," Ryan confirmed. "I expect Bretonnia to field ten thousand knights and their squires, plus other troops. We're looking at over twenty thousand soldiers from the Knight Kingdom, and I'll be leading them as King."
"How many Dwarves can Belegar muster?" Sulia examined the map. Twenty thousand soldiers seemed like a modest number to her, but any more would put immense pressure on logistics. This was a grand expedition, not a battle on their doorstep, and they couldn't rely on foraging from the enemy. The harsh terrain offered little sustenance, so Ryan emphasized quality over quantity.
"The Angrund clan can field about five thousand soldiers. In addition, Belegar has hired and convinced another three thousand Dwarves to join the expedition, so we'll have about eight thousand Dwarves," Ryan replied, frowning. "It's fewer than I'd hoped for, but it's all Belegar can muster."
"In addition, Belegar has signed a mercenary contract with an Ogre tribe. We might also hire more mercenaries once we reach Sea Gate Pass. So, combined, Belegar and I will have around thirty thousand troops," Ryan explained. "As for legendary champions, we'll have myself, Olica, and Veronica. Belegar himself, after awakening the Ancestor Spirits, can temporarily maintain Legendary strength under the blessing of the first King of Eight Peaks, King Lunn."
"Additionally, the Master Runecrafter of Iron Peak, Thorek Ironbrow, has answered Belegar's call. If we reach the Titan's Gate of Eight Peaks, Thorek Ironbrow, his Anvil Brotherhood, Steel Guard, and Granite Artillery Battalion will join us."
After a brief overview of the forces involved, Sulia still felt uneasy. "Even with Veronica's coven, your forces seem stretched thin, Ryan. If you proceed with just this, the expedition will be very arduous."
"There are other forces and heroes whose participation is uncertain," Ryan began, but before he could continue, Sylvia, the head maid, hurried in from outside. "Duke, Lady Sulia, we have a visitor."
"Who is it?" Ryan asked, setting down his command baton.
"It's Alaric the Brave, the Wood Elf. He wishes to see you."
Ryan smiled as he heard this. He reached out and grabbed a handful of shining white platinum jewels from the jade tray on the courtyard table. The dazzling light and pure white color made the Duke's smile even more intriguing.
"Invite him in."
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